Turkish baths architecture | Inside Istanbul’s historic Ottoman-era hammams

Also known as: Turkish baths, hammams

Function: Public bathhouses

Founded: Mid-15th century

Location: Istanbul, Turkey (also adopted in South Eastern Europe, North Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia)

Architectural style: Ottoman and Islamic

Main architects: Mimar Sinan, Mimar Hayruddin, Sulayman Aga

Turkish baths in Istanbul are among the most characteristic monuments of Ottoman architecture. However, their design also reflects a rich blend of cultural influences including Islamic, Byzantine, and Central Asian architectural traditions.

• Ottoman design: Turkish baths showcase the grandeur of Ottoman-era architecture with large central domes, high ceilings, and expansive layouts, combining aesthetics with functionality.
• Islamic aesthetics: Islamic influence is evident in the emphasis on symmetry for harmonious proportions and the use of geometric patterns and floral motifs in the decor.
• Byzantine heritage: Ottoman hammams inherited and adopted the Byzantine layout of a central bathing area surrounded by smaller rooms. The use of arches and vaulted ceilings for structural support is also a feature of Byzantine architecture. Additionally, mosaics were often used to beautify the interiors of baths.
• Central Asian influence: Hammam architects incorporated elements from Central Asian bathhouses such as the raised marble platform, which became the central feature of Turkish bathhouses.
• Baroque influence: Turkish baths built from the late 17th to the mid-18th centuries began incorporating ornamental elements from the European Baroque style. The Cagaloglu Hammam built in 1741 is a prime example.

Turkish baths were typically constructed using a combination of robust, high-quality materials and structural elements to ensure their stability.

• Stone, marble, and brick were used for their strength, durability, and ability to retain heat, which were critical for the functionality of the hammams. While marble was used to decorate the interiors, stone was used for the flooring.
• Hammams were typically octagonal or square in shape. The structure was designed with load-bearing walls and vaulted ceilings, creating a robust framework that supported the large domes overhead.
• Other materials used included timber and plaster in the construction of the dome, and ceramic tiles for decoration.